Anambra Demands Apology From Obi Over Debt Dispute

​ABUJA / AWKA — The lingering war of words between the Anambra State Government and former Governor Peter Obi has taken a dramatic turn, with the state administration demanding an unreserved public apology from the former presidential candidate.

​The renewed face-off follows claims by the state government that it has uncovered concrete evidence refuting Obi’s long-standing claim that his administration left office debt-free.

​Speaking through the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, the state government stated that records from the Debt Management Office (DMO) in Abuja show eight International Development Association (IDA) World Bank loans were contracted during Obi’s eight-year tenure, totaling $123,771,179.30.

​According to the state, these credit facilities were not properly reflected in Obi’s formal handover notes when he left office.

​”After we provided unassailable evidence in response to his challenge, he and his supporters have been hair-splitting, trying to blame us… or inventing all manner of new accounting theories,” Mefor said in a strongly worded statement.

ADVERTISEMENT

​The state government noted that a comprehensive review of assets and liabilities shows the administration left significant net liabilities, pointing out that the DMO report as of June 30, 2026, puts the outstanding balance on those specific loans at $92.35 million (approximately ₦127.37 billion). Successive administrations have continued to service these obligations via monthly deductions from Federation Account allocations.

​Reacting to arguments from Obi’s camp that he did not personally approach the DMO or World Bank to secure the funds, the state maintained that formal execution of loan agreements by a sitting governor legally binds the state, regardless of physical appearances at lending institutions.

​Accusing the former governor of prioritizing bank savings and interest earnings over citizen welfare during his tenure, the state insisted that taking the path of honor requires a public apology.

​”You threw a self-imposed challenge. Now that the facts challenge your character and integrity, you have no choice but to take the path of honour: tender an unreserved apology to the government and people of Anambra State and Nigeria and move on,” the commissioner added.

​Representatives for Peter Obi have yet to issue a formal, comprehensive counter-statement to this latest demand, though the debate over his financial legacy continues to spark intense political discussions ahead of future electoral cycles.